Umbrella check valve assembly having retention plate

ABSTRACT

A check valve assembly includes a first port fitting and a second port fitting with a base secured therebetween. The base has an annular sleeve encircling a seat, the seat having a central mounting hole and one or more flow channels passing therethrough. An umbrella valve includes a flexible sealing disk having an outer surface and an opposing inner surface, a mounting stem extending from the inner surface and projecting into the mounting hole of the base, the sealing disk being movable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the sealing disk sits on the seat so as to cover the one or more flow channels and a second position wherein the sealing disk is resiliently flexed so as to at least partially uncover the one or more flow channels. A retention plate is disposed between first port fitting and the seat of the base so that the retention plate sits against the outer surface of the sealing disk.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/147,586, filed Jan. 13, 2021, and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/962,589, filed Jan. 17, 2020, thecontents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety in the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. The Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to umbrella check valve assemblies and,more specifically, to umbrella check valve assemblies having a retentionplate for securing the umbrella valve in place.

2. The Relevant Technology

Umbrella check valves are one form of check valve that can be used tocontrol the flow of a fluid through a line or device. Specifically, anumbrella check valve enables a fluid to freely flow in one direction ofa line or device but is self-sealing so as to prevent the flow of fluidin the opposite direction. Umbrella check valves commonly include anumbrella valve that operates on a seat through which a fluid flows. Theseat has a central mounting hole extending therethrough and a spacedapart flow channel extending therethrough. The umbrella valve is made ofa resiliently flexible material and includes an annular sealing disk anda mounting stem that centrally projects from a bottom side thereof. Thesealing disk is generally domed shaped so that the umbrella valve hasthe general configuration of an umbrella.

During assembly, the mounting stem of the umbrella valve is pressed intothe mounting hole of the seat so that the umbrella valve is secured tothe seat by frictional engagement. With the umbrella valve secured tothe seat, the sealing disk covers the flow channel with at least theouter perimeter of the umbrella valve biasing in sealed engagementagainst the seat.

During use, a fluid travels along a flow path and through the flowchannel of the seat toward the umbrella valve. Pressure produced by thetraveling fluid causes the perimeter edge of the sealing disk toupwardly flex so that the fluid can flow around the umbrella valve andcontinue along the fluid path. However, as the fluid flow stops, thesealing disk of the umbrella valve resiliently rebounds to again coverthe flow channel and seal against the seat. The umbrella valve thusseals the flow channel closed so that the fluid cannot flow in theopposite direction back through the seat.

Proper functioning of umbrella check valves can be critical in someapplications. For example, in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceuticalindustry, umbrella check valves are used in delivering gas and/or fluidsto sterile solutions or suspensions being processed. For example, anumbrella check valve can be used on a gas line that delivers a sparginggas into a bioreactor. The umbrella check valve stops the culture withinthe bioreactor from flowing through the gas line when sparging isstopped. Failure of the umbrella check valve can result in the culturefreely flowing through the gas line and potentially fouling the gasfilter and/or gas source. Such fouling can disrupt the productionprocess and potentially result in partial loss or contamination of theculture. Liquid within the gas line can also delay or otherwise disruptthe proper sparging of gas into the bioreactor. Thus, failure of thecheck valve can disrupt production of the culture or even jeopardizeviability.

In other applications, umbrella check valves can be used in dispensingliquid additives into a culture located within a bioreactor. Theadditive is dispensed by passing through the check valve. In this case,failure of the check valve can cause the culture to flow into theadditive upstream of the check valve. This can result in over feeding ofthe additive into the culture or at least preclude the ability toproperly dispense the additive into the culture. Again, failure of thecheck valve can disrupt production of the culture or even jeopardizeviability. Many other problems can also result from the failure of anumbrella check valve.

One of the shortcomings of conventional umbrella check valves is that,under certain conditions, such as under a sudden burst of a fluid athigh pressure or having a high viscosity, the fluid can dislodge theumbrella valve from the seat and thereby prevent proper functioning ofthe check valve. As discussed above, the improper functioning of thecheck valve can result in detrimental consequences in many applications.Accordingly, what is needed in the art are improved umbrella checkvalves that have a reduced risk of separation of the umbrella valve fromthe seat during operation and thus have a reduced risk of failure orimproper functioning. Other improvements over conventional umbrellacheck valves is also desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various independent aspects and examples consistent with the presentteaching are set out in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1: A check valve assembly comprising:

-   -   a first port fitting having a tubular stem with a passage        extending therethrough;    -   a second port fitting having a tubular stem with a passage        extending therethrough;    -   a base secured between the first port fitting and the second        port fitting, the base comprising an annular sleeve encircling a        seat, the seat having a central mounting hole passing        therethrough and one or more flow channels passing therethrough;    -   an umbrella valve comprising a flexible sealing disk having an        outer surface and an opposing inner surface, a mounting stem        extending from the inner surface of the sealing disk and        projecting into the mounting hole of the base, the sealing disk        being movable between a first position wherein at least a        portion of the sealing disk sits on the seat of the base so as        to cover the one or more flow channels and a second position        wherein the sealing disk is resiliently flexed so as to at least        partially uncover the one or more flow channels; and    -   a retention plate disposed between first port fitting and the        seat of the base so that the retention plate sits against or        adjacent to the outer surface of the sealing disk.

Clause 2: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 1, wherein theretention plate terminates at an outer perimeter edge, a gap beingformed between the outer perimeter edge of the retention plate and thefirst port fitting so that fluid flowing from the second port fitting tothe first port fitting can pass through the gap.

Clause 3: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 2, wherein thepassage of the tubular stem of the first port fitting has a maximuminner diameter and the outer perimeter edge of the retention plate has amaximum outer diameter, the maximum outer diameter of the retentionplate being greater than the maximum inner diameter of the passage ofthe first port fitting.

Clause 4: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses 1-3,wherein the tubular stem of the first port fitting has a first end andan opposing second end with an annular flange outwardly projectingtherefrom, the annular flange being secured to the annular sleeve of thebase and having a maximum outer diameter that is greater than themaximum outer diameter of the retention plate.

Clause 5: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses 1-4,wherein the retention plate comprises a plate body having a first sideand an opposing second side, one or more flow paths pass through theplate body between the opposing sides through which fluid can pass.

Clause 6: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 5, wherein theone or more flow paths comprise a plurality of spaced apart flow paths.

Clause 7: The check valve assembly as recited in clauses 5 or 6, whereinthe plate body of the retention plate extends to a perimeter edge, theone of more flow paths comprising one or more holes that pass throughand are encircled by the plate body and/or one or more notches recessedinto the perimeter edge of the plate body.

Clause 8: The check valve assembly as recited in clauses 1-4, whereinthe retention plate comprises a plate body having a first side and anopposing second side, the first side of the plate body sitting againstthe outer surface of the sealing disk, the retention plate furthercomprising a plurality of legs projecting from second side of the platebody so that the plurality of legs space the second side of the platebody away from the first port fitting.

Clause 9: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 8, wherein theplurality of legs comprise at least 2, 3, 4, or 5 legs.

Clause 10: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 8 or 9, whereinthe tubular stem of the first port fitting has a first end and anopposing second end with an annular flange outwardly projectingtherefrom, the annular flange being secured to the annular sleeve of thebase.

Clause 11: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 10, whereineach of the plurality of legs terminate at a free end that sits againstor is disposed directly adjacent to an inside face of the annular flangeof the first port fitting.

Clause 12: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-11, further comprising the umbrella valve having a blind holeextending from the outer surface of the sealing disk and into themounting stem.

Clause 13: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 12, wherein theretention plate comprises a plate body having a first side facing theumbrella valve and an opposing second side, an alignment stem extendingfrom first side of the plate body and into the blind hole of theumbrella valve.

Clause 14: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-12, wherein the retention plate comprises a plate body having a firstside facing the umbrella valve and an opposing second side, the firstside of the retention plate being free of any projections outwardlyextending therefrom.

Clause 15: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-14, wherein the retention plate is more rigid than the umbrella valve.

Clause 16: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-15, wherein the passage of the stem of the first port fitting has afirst maximum diameter and the passage of the stem of the second portfitting has a second maximum diameter, the first maximum diameter beinglarger than the second maximum diameter.

Clause 17: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-15, wherein the passage of the stem of the first port fitting has afirst maximum diameter and the passage of the stem second port fittinghas a second maximum diameter, the first maximum diameter being equal tothe second maximum diameter.

Clause 18: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 1, furthercomprising:

-   -   the tubular stem of the first port fitting having a first end        with an annular hose barb disposed thereat and an opposing        second end with an annular first flange outwardly projecting        therefrom, the annular first flange being secured to the annular        sleeve of the base and having a maximum first outer diameter;        and    -   the tubular stem of the second port fitting having a first end        with an annular hose barb disposed thereat and an opposing        second end with an annular second flange outwardly projecting        therefrom, the annular second flange being secured to the        annular sleeve of the base and having a maximum second outer        diameter.

Clause 19: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 18, wherein themaximum first outer diameter of the first flange is equal to the maximumsecond outer diameter of the second flange.

Clause 20: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-19, wherein the first port fitting is secured to the annular sleeve ofthe base by an adhesive or welding.

Clause 21: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-20, wherein the mounting stem of the umbrella valve has a free endwith an enlarged head formed thereat, the enlarged head being disposedon a side of the seat that is opposite the sealing disk.

Clause 22: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-21, further comprising a tube coupled to the first port fitting.

Clause 23: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 22, furthercomprising a bioreactor or fermenter coupled to the tube.

Clause 24: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 1, furthercomprising means for fluid coupling a first end of the stem of the firstport fitting to a fluid line.

Clause 25: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 24, wherein themeans for fluid coupling comprises a hose barb disposed at the first endof the stem.

Clause 26: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-25, wherein the retention plate is freely movably relative to thefirst port fitting, base, and umbrella valve.

Clause 27: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-26, wherein the retention plate is separate and discrete from thefirst port fitting, base, and umbrella valve and is not integrallyformed with or fixedly secured to the first port fitting, base, orumbrella valve.

Clause 28: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses1-27, wherein the outer surface of the umbrella valve includes a flatplatform against which the retention plate sits.

Clause 29: A check valve assembly comprising:

-   -   a first port fitting having a passage extending therethrough;    -   a second port fitting having a passage extending therethrough;    -   a base comprising a seat having a central mounting hole passing        therethrough and one or more flow channels passing therethrough,        the base being disposed between the first port fitting and the        second port fitting so that fluid flowing from the second port        fitting to the first port fitting must pass through the one or        more flow channels of the seat;    -   an umbrella valve comprising a flexible sealing disk having an        outer surface and an opposing inner surface, a mounting stem        extending from the inner surface of the sealing disk and        projecting into the mounting hole of the base, the sealing disk        being movable between a first position wherein at least a        portion of the sealing disk sits on the seat of the base so as        to cover the one or more flow channels and a second position        wherein the sealing disk is resiliently flexed so as to at least        partially uncover the one or more flow channels; and    -   a retention plate disposed between first port fitting and the        seat so that the retention plate sits against or adjacent to the        outer surface of the sealing disk, the retention plate        terminating at an outer perimeter edge, a gap being formed        between the outer perimeter edge and the first port fitting so        that fluid flowing from the second port fitting to the first        port fitting can pass through the gap.

Clause 30: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 29, wherein thepassage of the first port fitting has a maximum inner diameter and theouter perimeter edge of the retention plate has a maximum outerdiameter, the maximum outer diameter of the retention plate beinggreater than the maximum inner diameter of the passage of the first portfitting.

Clause 31: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 30, wherein thefirst port fitting comprises a tubular stem having a first end and anopposing second end with the passage extending therebetween, an annularflange outwardly projecting from the second end of the tubular stem, theannular flange being secured to the base and having a maximum outerdiameter that is greater than the maximum outer diameter of theretention plate.

Clause 32: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses29-31, wherein the retention plate comprises a plate body having a firstside and an opposing second side, one or more flow paths pass throughthe plate body between the opposing sides through which fluid can pass.

Clause 33: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 32, wherein theone or more flow paths comprise a plurality of spaced apart flow paths.

Clause 34: The check valve assembly as recited in clauses 32 or 33,wherein the plate body of the retention plate extends to a perimeteredge, the one of more flow paths comprising one or more holes that passthrough and are encircled by the plate body and/or one or more notchesrecessed into the perimeter edge of the plate body.

Clause 35: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 29, wherein theretention plate comprises a plate body having a first side and anopposing second side, the first side of the plate body sitting againstthe outer surface of the sealing disk, the retention plate furthercomprising a plurality of legs projecting from second side of the platebody so that the plurality of legs space the second side of the platebody away from the first port fitting.

Clause 36: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 35, wherein theplurality of legs comprise at least 2, 3, 4, or 5 legs.

Clause 37: The check valve assembly as recited in clauses 35 or 36,wherein the first port fitting comprises a tubular stem having a firstend and an opposing second end with the passage extending therebetween,an annular flange outwardly projecting from the second end of thetubular stem, the annular flange being secured to the base.

Clause 38: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 37, whereineach of the plurality of legs terminates at a free end that sits againstor is disposed directly adjacent to an inside face of the annular flangeof the first port fitting.

Clause 39: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 29, furthercomprising the umbrella valve having a blind hole extending from theouter surface of the sealing disk and into the mounting stem.

Clause 40: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 39, wherein theretention plate comprises a plate body having a first side facing theumbrella valve and an opposing second side, an alignment stem extendingfrom first side of the plate body and into the blind hole of theumbrella valve.

41: The check valve assembly as recited in clauses 29 or 39, wherein theretention plate comprises a plate body having a first side facing theumbrella valve and an opposing second side, the first side of theretention plate being free of any projections outwardly extendingtherefrom.

Clause 42: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses29-41, wherein the retention plate is more rigid than the umbrellavalve.

Clause 43: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses29-42, wherein the passage of the first port fitting has a first maximumdiameter and the passage of the second port fitting has a second maximumdiameter, the first maximum diameter being larger than the secondmaximum diameter.

Clause 44: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses29-42, wherein the passage of the first port fitting has a first maximumdiameter and the passage of the second port fitting has a second maximumdiameter, the first maximum diameter being equal to the second maximumdiameter.

Clause 45: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 29, furthercomprising:

-   -   the first port fitting comprising a stem having a first end and        an opposing second end, an annular first flange outwardly        projecting from the second end, the annular first flange being        secured to the base and having a maximum first outer diameter;        and    -   the second port fitting comprising a stem having a first end and        an opposing second end, an annular second flange outwardly        projecting from the second end, the annular second flange being        secured to the base and having a maximum second outer diameter.

Clause 46: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 45, wherein themaximum first outer diameter of the first flange is equal to the maximumsecond outer diameter of the second flange.

Clause 47: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses29-46, wherein the first port fitting is secured to the base by anadhesive or welding.

Clause 48: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses29-47, wherein the base comprises an annular sleeve encircling the seat,the first port fitting and the second port fitting each being secured tothe annular sleeve.

Clause 49: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses29-48, wherein the mounting stem of the umbrella valve has a free endwith an enlarged head formed thereat, the enlarged head being disposedon a side of the seat that is opposite the sealing disk.

Clause 50: A check valve assembly comprising:

-   -   a first port fitting having a passage extending therethrough;    -   a second port fitting having a passage extending therethrough;    -   a base having a seat with a central mounting hole passing        therethrough and one or more flow channels passing therethrough,        the base being disposed between the first port fitting and the        second port fitting so that fluid flowing from the second port        fitting to the first port fitting must pass through the one or        more flow channels of the seat;    -   an umbrella valve comprising a flexible sealing disk having an        outer surface and an opposing inner surface, a mounting stem        extending from the inner surface of the sealing disk and        projecting into the mounting hole of the base, the sealing disk        being movable between a first position wherein at least a        portion of the sealing disk sits on the seat of the base so as        to cover the one or more flow channels and a second position        wherein the sealing disk is resiliently flexed so as to at least        partially uncover the one or more flow channels; and    -   a retention plate comprising a plate body having a first side        and an opposing second side, the retention plate being disposed        between first port fitting and the seat so that the first side        of the plate body sits against or adjacent to the outer surface        of the sealing disk, the retention plate further comprising a        plurality of legs projecting from second side of the plate body        so that the plurality of legs space the second side of the plate        body away from the first port fitting.

Clause 51: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 50, wherein theretention plate terminates at an outer perimeter edge, a gap beingformed between the outer perimeter edge of the retention plate and thefirst port fitting so that fluid flowing from the second port fitting tothe first port fitting can pass through the gap.

Clause 52: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 51, wherein thepassage of the second port fitting has a maximum inner diameter and theouter perimeter edge of the retention plate has a maximum outerdiameter, the maximum outer diameter of the retention plate beinggreater than the maximum inner diameter of the passage of the secondport fitting.

Clause 53: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 52, wherein thefirst port fitting comprises a tubular stem having a first end and anopposing second end with the passage extending therebetween, an annularflange outwardly projecting from the second end of the tubular stem, theannular flange being secured to the base and having a maximum outerdiameter that is greater than the maximum outer diameter of theretention plate.

Clause 54: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses50-53, wherein the retention plate comprises a plate body having a firstside and an opposing second side, one or more flow paths pass throughthe plate body between the opposing sides through which fluid can pass.

Clause 55: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 54, wherein theone or more flow paths comprise a plurality of spaced apart flow paths.

Clause 56: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 54, wherein theplate body of the retention plate extends to a perimeter edge, the oneof more flow paths comprising one or more holes that pass through andare encircled by the plate body and/or one or more notches recessed intothe perimeter edge of the plate body.

Clause 57: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses50-56, wherein the first port fitting has a tubular stem with a firstend and an opposing second end with an annular flange outwardlyprojecting therefrom, the annular flange being secured to the base.

Clause 58: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 57, whereineach of the plurality of legs terminate at a free end that sits againstor is disposed directly adjacent to an inside face of the annular flangeof the first port fitting.

Clause 59: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses50-58, further comprising the umbrella valve having a blind holeextending from the outer surface of the sealing disk and into themounting stem.

Clause 60: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 59, wherein theretention plate comprises a plate body having a first side facing theumbrella valve and an opposing second side, an alignment stem extendingfrom first side of the plate body and into the blind hole of theumbrella valve.

Clause 61: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 50, wherein theretention plate comprises a plate body having a first side facing theumbrella valve and an opposing second side, the first side of theretention plate being free of any projections outwardly extendingtherefrom.

Clause 62: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses50-61, wherein the retention plate is more rigid than the umbrellavalve.

Clause 63: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses50-62, wherein the passage of the stem of the first port fitting has afirst maximum diameter and the passage of the second port fitting has asecond maximum diameter, the first maximum diameter being larger thanthe second maximum diameter.

Clause 64: The check valve assembly as recited in any one of clauses50-63, wherein the base comprises an annular sleeve, the seat beingsecured to and disposed within the sleeve.

Clause 65: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 64, furthercomprising:

-   -   the first port fitting having a tubular sleeve with a first end        with an annular hose barb disposed thereat and an opposing        second end with an annular first flange outwardly projecting        therefrom, the annular first flange being secured to the annular        sleeve of the base and having a maximum first outer diameter;        and    -   the second port fitting having a tubular sleeve with a first end        with an annular hose barb disposed thereat and an opposing        second end with an annular second flange outwardly projecting        therefrom, the annular second flange being secured to the        annular sleeve of the base and having a maximum second outer        diameter.

Clause 66: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 65, wherein themaximum first outer diameter of the first flange is equal to the maximumsecond outer diameter of the second flange.

Clause 67: A check valve assembly comprising:

-   -   a first port fitting having a passage extending therethrough;    -   a second port fitting having a passage extending therethrough;    -   a base having a seat with a central mounting hole passing        therethrough and one or more flow channels passing therethrough,        the base being disposed between the first port fitting and the        second port fitting so that fluid flowing from the second port        fitting to the first port fitting must pass through the one or        more flow channels of the seat;    -   an umbrella valve comprising a flexible sealing disk having an        outer surface and an opposing inner surface, a mounting stem        extending from the inner surface of the sealing disk and        projecting into the mounting hole of the base, the umbrella        valve having a blind hole extending from the outer surface of        the sealing disk and into the mounting stem, the sealing disk        being movable between a first position wherein at least a        portion of the sealing disk sits on the seat of the base so as        to cover the one or more flow channels and a second position        wherein the sealing disk is resiliently flexed so as to at least        partially uncover the one or more flow channels; and    -   a retention plate comprising a plate body having a first side        and an opposing second side, an alignment stem extending from        first side of the plate body and projecting into the blind hole        of the umbrella valve.

Clause 68: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 67, wherein theretention plate terminates at an outer perimeter edge, a gap beingformed between the outer perimeter edge of the retention plate and thefirst port fitting so that fluid flowing from the second port fitting tothe first port fitting can pass through the gap.

Clause 69: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 68, wherein thepassage of the first port fitting has a maximum inner diameter and theouter perimeter edge of the retention plate has a maximum outerdiameter, the maximum outer diameter of the retention plate beinggreater than the maximum inner diameter of the passage of the first portfitting.

Clause 70: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 68, wherein theretention plate comprises a plate body having a first side and anopposing second side, one or more flow paths pass through the plate bodybetween the opposing sides through which fluid can pass.

Clause 71: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 70, wherein theplate body of the retention plate extends to a perimeter edge, the oneof more flow paths comprising one or more holes the pass through and areencircled by the plate body and/or one or more notches recessed into theperimeter edge of the plate body.

Clause 72: The check valve assembly as recited in clause 70, wherein theretention plate comprises a plate body having a first side and anopposing second side, the first side of the plate body sitting againstthe outer surface of the sealing disk, the retention plate furthercomprising a plurality of legs projecting from second side of the platebody so that the plurality of legs space the second side of the platebody away from the first port fitting.

Clause 73: The check valve assembly as recited in claim 67, wherein thepassage of the stem of the first port fitting has a first maximumdiameter and the passage of the second port fitting has a second maximumdiameter, the first maximum diameter being larger than the secondmaximum diameter.

Each of the above independent aspects of the disclosure may include anyof the features, options and possibilities set out in this document,including those under the other independent aspects, and may alsoinclude any combination of any of the features, options andpossibilities set out in this document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed withreference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inventive check valve assembly forcoupling with fluid lines;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the check valve assemblyshown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the check valveassembly shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is an elevated cross-sectional side view of the check valveassembly shown in FIG. 1 with the umbrella valve in a closed firstposition;

FIG. 5 is an elevated cross-sectional side view of the check valveassembly shown in FIG. 4 with the umbrella valve in an open secondposition;

FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom perspective view of an alternative of thecheck valve assembly shown in FIG. 1 wherein a retention plate thereofhas been modified to remove an alignment stem that projects therefrom;

FIG. 7 is an elevated cross-sectional side view of the alternative checkvalve assembly shown in FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is an exploded top perspective view of another alternativeembodiment of the check valve assembly shown in FIG. 1 wherein theretention plate has been further modified;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the alternative check valveassembly shown in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is an elevated side view of three check valve assemblies havingdifferent sized port fittings; and

FIG. 11 is an elevated cross-sectional side view of the check valveassemblies shown in FIG. 10 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is not limited to parameters of theparticularly exemplified systems, methods, apparatus, products,processes, compositions, and/or kits, which may, of course, vary. It isalso to be understood that the terminology used herein is only for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure,and is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the disclosure inany particular manner. Thus, while the present disclosure will bedescribed in detail with reference to specific embodiments, features,aspects, configurations, etc., the descriptions are illustrative and arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.Various modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments,features, aspects, configurations, etc. without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Thus, whilevarious aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments are contemplated.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the present disclosure pertains. While a number ofmethods and materials similar or equivalent to those described hereincan be used in the practice of the present disclosure, only certainexemplary materials and methods are described herein.

Various aspects of the present disclosure, including devices, systems,methods, etc., may be illustrated with reference to one or moreexemplary embodiments or implementations. As used herein, the terms“alternative embodiment” and/or “exemplary implementation” means“serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should notnecessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherembodiments or implementations disclosed herein. In addition, referenceto one or more embodiments is intended to provide illustrative exampleswithout limiting the scope of the invention, which is indicated by theappended claims rather than by the following description.

It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referentsunless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,reference to an “insert” includes one, two, or more inserts. As usedthroughout this application the words “can” and “may” are used in apermissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather thanthe mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Additionally, the terms“including,” “having,” “involving,” “containing,” “characterized by,”variants thereof (e.g., “includes,” “has,” and “involves,” “contains,”etc.), and similar terms as used herein, including the claims, shall beinclusive and/or open-ended, shall have the same meaning as the word“comprising” and variants thereof (e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”),and do not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps,illustratively.

Various aspects of the present disclosure can be illustrated bydescribing components that are coupled, attached, connected, and/orjoined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”,“connected,” and/or “joined” are used to indicate either a directconnection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirectconnection to one another through intervening or intermediatecomponents. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being“directly coupled”, “directly attached”, “directly connected,” and/or“directly joined” to another component, no intervening elements arepresent or contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the terms “connection,”“connected,” and the like do not necessarily imply direct contactbetween the two or more elements. In addition, components that arecoupled, attached, connected, and/or joined together are not necessarily(reversibly or permanently) secured to one another.

As used herein, directional and/or arbitrary terms, such as “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “upper,”“lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” “interior,”“exterior,” “proximal,” “distal” and the like can be used solely toindicate relative directions and/or orientations and may not otherwisebe intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, including thespecification, invention, and/or claims.

Where possible, like numbering of elements have been used in variousfigures. In addition, similar elements and/or elements having similarfunctions may be designated by similar numbering (e.g., element “10” andelement “210.”) Furthermore, alternative configurations of a particularelement may each include separate letters appended to the elementnumber. Accordingly, an appended letter can be used to designate analternative design, structure, function, implementation, and/orembodiment of an element or feature without an appended letter.Similarly, multiple instances of an element and or sub-elements of aparent element may each include separate letters appended to the elementnumber. In each case, the element label may be used without an appendedletter to generally refer to instances of the element or any one of thealternative elements. Element labels including an appended letter can beused to refer to a specific instance of the element or to distinguish ordraw attention to multiple uses of the element. However, element labelsincluding an appended letter are not meant to be limited to the specificand/or particular embodiment(s) in which they are illustrated. In otherwords, reference to a specific feature in relation to one embodimentshould not be construed as being limited to applications only withinsaid embodiment.

It will also be appreciated that where a range of values (e.g., lessthan, greater than, at least, and/or up to a certain value, and/orbetween two recited values) is disclosed or recited, any specific valueor range of values falling within the disclosed range of values islikewise disclosed and contemplated herein. Thus, disclosure of anillustrative measurement or distance less than or equal to about 10units or between 0 and 10 units includes, illustratively, a specificdisclosure of: (i) a measurement of 9 units, 5 units, 1 units, or anyother value between 0 and 10 units, including 0 units and/or 10 units;and/or (ii) a measurement between 9 units and 1 units, between 8 unitsand 2 units, between 6 units and 4 units, and/or any other range ofvalues between 0 and 10 units.

It is also noted that systems, methods, apparatus, devices, products,processes, compositions, and/or kits, etc., according to certainembodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, orotherwise comprise properties, features, aspects, steps, components,members, and/or elements described in other embodiments disclosed and/ordescribed herein. Thus, reference to a specific feature, aspect, steps,component, member, element, etc. in relation to one embodiment shouldnot be construed as being limited to applications only within saidembodiment. In addition, reference to a specific benefit, advantage,problem, solution, method of use, etc. in relation to one embodimentshould not be construed as being limited to applications only withinsaid embodiment.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or theclaims. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

The present disclosure is directed to check valve assemblies containingan umbrella valve that can be used to control the flow of a fluidthrough a line or device. Specifically, the check valve assembliesenable a fluid to freely flow in one direction of a line or device butare self-sealing so as to prevent the flow of fluid in the oppositedirection. The inventive check valve assemblies can be used with avariety of different types of fluids, including a variety of differentgases and liquids. The check valve assemblies can also be used in avariety of different applications, such as in the processing ofpharmaceutical products, biopharmaceutical products, chemical products,food products and other solutions, suspensions or types of liquids.

Depicted in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of aninventive check valve assembly 10A incorporating features of the presentdisclosure. Check valve assembly 10A is configured so that a fluid, suchas a gas or liquid, can flow in a direction along arrow 8 through checkvalve assembly 10A but is precluded from flowing in the oppositedirection through check valve assembly 10A. In general, check valveassembly 10A includes a first port fitting 12, an opposing second portfitting 14, and a base 16 that is disposed therebetween. First portfitting 12 is configured to couple with a first fluid line 18 whilesecond port fitting 14 is configured to couple with a second fluid line20. Each of fluid lines 18 and 20 can comprise a flexible tube, such asconventional tubing, or can comprise a rigid tube.

In one embodiment, first fluid line 18 can extend to and couple with acontainer 22. Container 22 can comprise a rigid container or a flexiblebag made of one or more sheets of polymeric film. In some embodiments,container can comprise a bioreactor and fermentor for growing culturesof cells or microorganisms. By way of example and not by limitation,first fluid line 18 may be coupled to a sparger for sparging a gas intoa bioreactor or fermentor. In other embodiments, first fluid line 18 canbe coupled to other types of containers for use in processing biologicalmaterials, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, food products, or othermaterials. Second fluid line 20 can couple to a fluid source 24, such asa gas source or liquid source, where the corresponding gas or liquidneeds to be delivered into container 22.

As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 , first port fitting 12 comprises anelongated tubular stem 26A that extends between a first end 28A and anopposing second end 30A. Stem 26A bounds a passage 32A thatlongitudinally extends therethrough. In one embodiment, means areprovided for fluid coupling first end 28A of stem 26A to a fluid line,such as first fluid line 18. By way of example, an annular hose barb 34Ais disposed on first end 28A so as to encircle and outwardly projectfrom stem 26A. Hose barb 34A is configured so that it can be pressedwithin first fluid line 18 so as to form a liquid tight seal betweenfirst port fitting 12 and first fluid line 18. Where needed, asdiscussed further below, a synch, such as a crimp, compression collar,or pull tie, can also be placed around fluid line 18 to help produce theliquid tight seal with first port fitting 12.

In other embodiments, two or more hose barbs can be disposed on stem 26.In still other embodiments, hose barb 34 can be replaced with annularribs, rings or other structures formed on stem 26A that will form aliquid tight seal against the interior surface of first fluid line 18.In yet other embodiments of the means for fluid coupling, hose barb 34can be eliminated and replaced with other conventional types of fluidcouplers such as a union or aseptic connector.

Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 2 , first port fitting 12 further includesan annular first mounting flange 36A encircling and radially outwardlyprojecting from second end 30A of stem 26A. First mounting flange 36Ahas an inside face 38A that faces towards base 16 and an opposingoutside face 40A that each extend to an outer perimeter edge 42A. Anannular ring 44A projects from inside face 38A toward base 16 so as toencircle passage 32A. As discussed below in greater detail, ring 44A isused to engage and help form a liquid tight seal with base 16.

As shown in FIG. 2 , a stop flange 46A is shown encircling and radiallyoutwardly projecting from stem 26A at a location between hose barb 34Aand first mounting flange 36A. Stop flange 46A is used to stop theadvancement of first fluid line 18 onto stem 26A during assembly andhelps to identify that first fluid line 18 is properly positioned onfirst port fitting 12. Specifically, during assembly, first end 28A offirst port fitting 12 is slid within first fluid line 18 until theterminal end of first fluid line 18 butts against stop flange 46A. Insome embodiments, as mentioned above, a synch, such as a crimp,compression collar, or pull tie, can then be secured and compressedaround first fluid line 18 at a location between stop flange 46A andhose barb 34A so as to both secure first fluid line 18 to first portfitting 12 and produce a liquid tight seal therebetween.

It is appreciated that stop flange 46A need not be annular but couldcomprise a plurality of spaced apart sections that outwardly projectfrom stem 26A. In other embodiments, stop flange 46A can be eliminated.In this embodiment, indicia, such as a marking or groove, could be placeon the exterior surface of stem 26A to indicate the proper positioningof the terminal end of first fluid line 18. Alternatively, firstmounting flange 36A can be configured to function as the stop flange.

In the depicted embodiment, second port fitting 14 has substantially thesame configuration as first port fitting 12. As such, all the abovediscussion with regard to first port fitting 12, including alternativesand uses, are also applicable to second port fitting 14. The exceptionsare that second port fitting 14 is intended for coupling with secondfluid line 20 and stop flange 46A is eliminated from second port fitting14. Like elements between port fitting 12 and 14 are identified by likereference characters except that the reference characters used on secondport fitting 14 include the suffix “B.”

Continuing with the FIGS. 2 and 3 , base 16 comprises an annular sleeve50 having an interior surface 52 and an opposing exterior surface 54that extend between a first end 56 and an opposing second end 58. Sleeve50 encircles an opening 62. Base 16 also includes a seat 60 that issecured to interior surface 52 of sleeve 50 so as to extend over opening62. Seat 60 has a first side 64 that faces towards first port fitting 12and an opposing second side 66 that faces towards second port fitting14. First side 64 and second side 66 are typically planar.

Centrally extending through seat 60 between opposing sides 64 and 66 isa mounting hole 68. A plurality of flow channels 70 also pass throughseat 60 between opposing sides 64 and 66. Flow channels 70 arepositioned at locations radially spaced from mounting hole 68 so as tobe placed around mounting hole 68. Specifically, flow channels 70 arespaced apart and are typically located at a common radius from mountinghole 68. In other embodiments, however, it is not necessary that all offlow channels 70 be disposed at a common radius from mounting hole 68.Rather, as discussed below in more detail, flow channels 70 can bedisposed at two or more different radius from mounting hole 68. In thedepicted embodiment, eight flow channels 70 are formed. However, inother embodiments, it is appreciated that the number of flow channels 70can comprise at least one, two, four, six, eight, ten, or in a rangebetween any two of the foregoing numbers.

Outwardly projecting from second side 66 of seat 60 so as to encirclemounting hole 68 is a stem 72. As better shown in FIG. 5 and discussedbelow in more detail, mounting hole 68 inwardly constricts as it passesfrom seat 60 through stem 72. In alternative embodiments, stem 72 can beeliminated by increasing the thickness of seat 60.

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3 , an annular groove 76 is formed on interiorsurface 52 of sleeve 50 at first end 56 and is configured to receivering 44A of first port fitting 12. Likewise, an annular groove 78 isformed on interior surface 52 of sleeve 50 at second end 58 and isconfigured to receive ring 44B of second port fitting 14. Duringassembly, as shown in FIG. 4 , ring 44A is received within groove 76while ring 44B is received within groove 78A. The structures are thenfurther secured together, such as by adhesive or welding, so as to forma liquid tight seal therebetween. In this assembly, fluid can now flowfrom second port fitting 14, through flow channels 70 and out first portfitting 12.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , check valve assembly 10Aalso includes an umbrella valve 90A and a retention plate 92A. Umbrellavalve 90A generally comprises a flexible sealing disk 94 having amounting stem 100 projecting therefrom. More specifically, sealing disk94 typically has a circular configuration with an outer surface 96 andan opposing inner surface 98 that each extend to a perimeter edge 99.Mounting stem 100 centrally projects from inner surface 98. Umbrellavalve 90A is typically formed as a single, unitary structure and iscomprised of a resiliently flexible material such as silicone. Otherflexible materials can also be used. The remaining components of checkvalve assembly 10A, i.e., port fittings 12 and 14, base 16 and retentionplate 92A are typically made of a material that is more rigid than thematerial that is used to make umbrella valve 90A. These other components12, 14, 16 and 92A are typically made of a plastic such aspolycarbonate. Other materials can also be used. The materials aretypically chosen for compatibility with planned use, such as stabilityat intended temperatures, stability when exposed to fluids, ability tobe sterilized by radiation, etc.

Sealing disk 94 has domed shaped configuration. That is, outer surface96 has a central apex 101 and both outer surface 96 and inner surface 98slope down, i.e., toward seat 60, and radially away from apex 101 toperimeter edge 99. The term “domed shaped,” as used in the specificationand append claims broad includes both 3-dimension curved, slopingsurfaces, such as concave and convex surface, and 3-dimensional linear,sloping surfaces such as conical and frustoconical surfaces. Thus, outersurface 96 or a portion thereof can have a conical, frustoconical,3-dimensional convex curvature, or have other domed configurations.Likewise, inner surface 98 or a portion thereof can have a conical,frustoconical, 3-dimensional concave curvature, or have other domedconfigurations. In the specific embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , outersurface 96 includes a flat platform surface 103 located at apex 101domed sealing surface 105 that extends from platform surface 103 toperimeter edge 99. Although not always required, in the depictedembodiment, a blind hole 104 centrally passes through outer surface 96of sealing disk 94, e.g., at apex 101, and into mounting stem 100. Blindhole 104 is better shown in FIG. 4 . Sealing disk 94 also typicallytapers, i.e., gets thinner, as it extends to perimeter edge 99.

Disposed at a free end of mounting stem 100 is an enlarged head 102.Enlarged head 102 has an outer diameter that is larger than the minimuminner diameter of mounting hole 68 of seat 60. During assembly, as shownin FIG. 5 , head 102 is compressed as it is pushed through mounting hole68. Once enlarged head 102 passes through mounting hole 68, enlargedhead 102 resiliently expands so as to again be larger than the diameterof mounting hole 68, thereby securing umbrella valve 90A to seat 60 ofbase 16. The constriction of mounting hole 68, as previously discussed,helps to facilitate pressing enlarged head 102 through mounting hole 68and also helps to secure umbrella valve 90A to seat 60. However, inother embodiments, mounting hole 68 need not be tapered.

Umbrella valve 90A is configured so that in the assembled state, asshown in FIG. 4 , umbrella valve 90A can be in a relaxed first positionwherein at least outer perimeter edge 99 of sealing disk 94 directlysits and resiliently presses against first side 64 of seat 60 so as toform a liquid tight seal therebetween. Umbrella valve 90A is alsoconfigured so that in the first position, sealing disk 94 covers all offlow channels 70. During operation, a fluid travels through second portfitting 14 and through flow channels 70 of seat 60 toward umbrella valve90A. Pressure produced by the traveling fluid causes umbrella valve 90Ato move from the first position, shown in FIG. 4 , to a second position,as shown in FIG. 5 . That is, the fluid pressure causes at leastperimeter edge 99 of sealing disk 94 to upwardly flex, i.e., flex awayfrom flow channels 70 and seat 60, so that the fluid can flow throughflow channels 70, around perimeter edge 99 of sealing disk 94 and outthrough first port fitting 14. However, as the fluid flow stops, sealingdisk 94 of umbrella valve 90A resiliently rebounds back to the firstposition (FIG. 4 ) so as to again cover flow channels 70 and sealagainst seat 60. Umbrella valve 90A thus seals flow channels 70 closedso that the fluid cannot flow in the opposite direction back throughseat 60.

Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3 , retention plate 92A comprises a plate body110 having a first side 112 and an opposing second side 114. In thedepicted embodiment, both first side 112 and second side 114 are planar.However, in alternative embodiments, first side 112 and/or second side114 can have a concave, convex or other non-planar configuration. Aplurality of flow paths 116 pass through plate body 110 between opposingsides 112 and 114. In the depicted embodiment, three flow paths 116 areshown. However, in other embodiments, flow paths 116 can be limited to asingle flow path or can comprise at least one, two, three, four, six, oreight flow paths or be in a range between any two of the foregoingnumbers. Plate body 110 extends to a perimeter edge 118. A plurality oflegs 120 project from first side 112 of plate body 110 way from secondside 114, i.e., towards first port fitting 12. In the embodimentdepicted, legs 120 are disposed at perimeter edge 118. However, in otherembodiments, legs 120 can be disposed inward of perimeter edge 118.Centrally projecting from second side 114 of plate body 110 is analignment stem 122. Alignment stem 122 is configured to be receivedwithin blind hole 104 of umbrella valve 90A. In the depicted embodiment,alignment stem 122 and blind hole 104 have complementary tapers to helpfacilitate alignment and insertion of alignment stem 122 into blind hole104. However, in other embodiments, alignment stem 122 and blind hole104 need not be tapered.

During assembly, once umbrella valve 90A is secured to seat 60 of base16, as discussed above, alignment stem 122 of retention plate 92 isreceived within blind hole 104 of umbrella valve 90A so that second side114 of plate body 110 rest directly against outer surface 96 of sealingdisk 94 of retention valve 90A, as shown in FIG. 4 . More specifically,second side 114 of plate body 110 rest directly against flat platformsurface 103 of outer surface 96 of sealing disk 94. First port fitting12 and second port fitting 14 are then secured to sleeve 50 of base 16,as previously discussed. The order of the assembly of the parts can bealtered as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Retention plate92A is configured so that legs 120 either directly contact or areadjacently disposed to inside face 38 of first mounting flange 36 offirst port fitting 12. To help facilitate this alignment, plate body 110is typically formed having a maximum diameter that is larger than amaximum diameter of passage 32A extending through stem 26A of first portfitting 12. However, plate body 110 also has a maximum diameter that istypically smaller than the inner diameter of sleeve 50 of base 16. As aresult, a gap 106 is formed between perimeter edge 118 of plate body 110and interior surface 52 of sleeve 50 through which fluid can flow.Likewise, as a result of legs 120, a gap 108 is also formed betweenplate body 110 and first port fitting 12 through which fluid can flow.Legs 120 thus restrict movement of retention plate 92A, i.e., plate body110, away from umbrella valve 90A and also provide a gap for fluid flow.

During operation, fluid flows through second port fitting 14 and throughflow channels 70 so as to flex umbrella valve 90A to the secondposition, as shown in FIG. 5 and previously discussed. Because retentionplate 92 only sits against platform surface 103 of sealing disk 94 anddoes not interact with perimeter edge 99 (when in the first positionshown in FIG. 4 ), retention plate 92 does not interfere with umbrellavalve 90A moving between the first and second positions. The fluid thenflows around plate body 110 by passing through gaps 106 and 108 and outthrough first port fitting 12. Again, when the fluid flow stops,umbrella valve 90A resiliently returns back to its first position so asto seal flow channels 70 closed. With reference to FIG. 5 , whenumbrella valve 90A is flexed into the second position, all or a majorityof outer surface 96 of sealing disk 94 can press against second side 114of retention plate 92A. Flow paths 116 (FIGS. 2 and 3 ) are formedextending through sealing disk 94 so as to help prevent the formation ofa vacuum between sealing disk 94 and plate body 110 of retention plate92A when umbrella valve 90A is flexed into the second position. A vacuumformed between sealing disk 94 and plate body 110 could result inumbrella valve 90A remaining in the second position even when fluid flowis stopped, thereby enabling fluid to freely flow in both directionsthrough check valve assembly 10A. Flow paths 116 are formed so that oneend is covered by sealing disk 94 when umbrella valve 90A is in thesecond position. However, because the opposing end of flow paths 116remain open, fluid can freely flow through flow paths 116 and betweensealing disk 94 and plate body 110 so as to prevent the formation of avacuum therebetween.

Retention plate 92A functions to help retain umbrella valve 90A securedto seat 60 to ensure proper operation of check valve assembly 10A.Specifically, without retention plate 92A, under certain conditions,such as under high fluid flow rates or under sudden bursts of high fluidpressure, the fluid pressure can be sufficiently high to force mountingstem 100 of umbrella valve 90A out of mounting hole 68 so as to dislodgeumbrella valve 90A from base 16, i.e., seat 60. Once umbrella valve 90Adislodges from base 16, umbrella valve 90A no longer functions as aone-way check valve. As a result, fluid can more freely flow in eitherdirection between port fittings 12 and 14 which can result incontamination of the material being processed within container 22. Inaddition, the failure of check valve assembly 10A can potentially resultin fluid leaking out of container 22. However, because retention plate92 is continually held stable against or adjacent to umbrella valve 90A,retention plate 92 restricts movement of umbrella valve 90A that couldresult in dislodging of umbrella valve 90A from base 16, i.e., seat 60,even under elevated flow rates or burst of high fluid pressure. Thus,retention plate 92 ensures proper operation of check valve assembly 10Aand thereby minimizes loss, contamination, or disruption of productionof the fluid being processed within container 22.

It is appreciated that check valve assembly 10A and the componentsthereof can have a variety of different configurations. For example,depicted in FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of a check valveassembly 10B wherein like elements between check valve assembly 10A and10B are identified by like reference characters. Check valve assembly10B is identical to check valve assembly 10A except that check valveassembly 10B includes a modified umbrella valve 90B and a modifiedretention plate 92B. Retention plate 92B is identical to retention plate92A except that alignment stem 122 has been removed. As such, secondside 114 of plate body 110 is shown as being planar with no projectionsoutwardly extending therefrom. In turn, as depicted in FIG. 7 , umbrellavalve 90B is identical to umbrella valve 90A except that blind hole 104has been removed.

Check valve assembly 10B still functions in the same way as check valveassembly 10A and all of the prior discussions, alternatives and methodsas previously discussed with regard to check valve assembly 10A, exceptregarding the use of alignment stem 122, are also applicable to checkvalve assembly 10B. That is, although alignment stem 122 and blind hole104 are helpful during the assembly of check valve assembly 10A and alsohelp to ensure and maintain proper centering of retention plate 92A onumbrella valve 90A, the centering can also be achieved by sizingretention plate 92B so that legs 120 of retention plate 92B hit againstfirst port fitting 12 so as to establish and maintain centering ofretention plate 92B on umbrella valve 90B during operation. In stillother embodiments, it is not necessarily that retention plate 92B beperfectly centered on top of umbrella valve 90B to still perform itsintended function, as discussed above. It is also appreciated thatretention plate 92B having alignment stem 122 removed therefrom, can beused with umbrella valve 90A that has blind hole 104 formed thereon. Inthat case, blind hole 104 would simply not receive any structure fromretention plate 92B.

Depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 is another alternative embodiment of a checkvalve assembly 10C incorporating features of the present disclosure.Like elements between check valve assembly 10A and 10C are identified bylike reference characters. Check valve assembly 10C is identical tocheck valve assembly 10A except that check valve assembly 10C includes amodified retention plate 92C. As previously discussed with regard toFIGS. 4 and 5 , retention plate 92A was formed so that plate body 110has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of sleeve50. As a result, gap 106 (FIG. 5 ) is formed between plate body 110 andsleeve 50 of base 16 through which fluid can flow. In contrast, withreference to FIGS. 8 and 9 , plate body 110 of retention plate 92C hasan outer diameter that is comparable to the inner diameter of sleeve 50.As a result, outer perimeter edge 118 of plate body 110 can engagedirectly against interior surface 52 of sleeve 50. However, plate body110 of retention plate 92C has a plurality of flow paths 128 extendingtherethrough toward perimeter edge 118 which are not covered by umbrellavalve 90A when umbrella valve 90A is in the second position. As such,fluid can flow through flow paths 128 when umbrella valve 90 is in thesecond position, thereby eliminating the need for gap 106.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , flow paths 128 are completelyencircled by plate body 110. However, in alternative to or inconjunction with flow path 128, a plurality of flow paths 130 can alsobe formed that extend through plate body 110 but that intersect withperimeter edge 118. Flow paths 130 are thus formed as notches thatextend into perimeter edge 118. Again, flow paths 130 are not covered byumbrella valve 90A when umbrella valve 90A is in the second position. Assuch, fluid can flow through flow paths 130 when umbrella valve 90A isin the second position, thereby eliminating the need for gap 106.

Retention plate 92C can be secured to sleeve 50 of base 16 such as bywelding, adhesive, press fitting or being sandwiched between portions offirst port fitting 12 and sleeve 50. Retention plate 92C is positionedand secured so as to rest against or be disposed directly adjacent toouter surface 96/platform surface 103 of umbrella valve 90A so as toagain ensure no dislodgement of umbrella valve 90A from seat 60 of base16, as discussed above. By securing retention plate 92C to base 16, legs120 (FIG. 2 ) can be eliminated from retention plate 92C. Alternatively,retention plate 92C need not be secured to base 16. In this embodiment,legs 120 (FIG. 2 ) can be disposed so as to upstand from first side 112of plate body 110 of retention plate 92C so as to rest against firstport fitting 12, as previously discussed, thereby again ensuring nodislodgement of umbrella valve 90A from seat 60 of base 16. Retentionplate 92C can be used with or without alignment stem 122 and blind hole104.

As depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 , check valve assemblies 10A, 10D and 10Eare shown. Like elements between check valve assemblies 10A, 10D and 10Eare identified by like reference characters. Check valve assemblies 10Dand 10E are identical to check valve assembly 10A except that they areformed with different sized port fittings 12 and 14. That is, one of theunique benefits of the inventive check valve assemblies is that theyhave a modular configuration that enables easy assembly of differentcheck valve assemblies having different port fitting configurationsdepending on the intended application. For example, check valve assembly10D still includes base 16, umbrella valve 90A and retention plate 92A.However, in contrast to using port fitting 12 and 14, check valveassembly 10D includes port fitting 12A and 14A. Port fitting 12Aincludes the same mounting flange 36A as port fittings 12 for couplingwith base 16, as previously discussed. However, port fitting 12Aincludes a stem 26A1 having a smaller inner diameter and outer diameterthan stem 26A. As such, stem 26A1 can be used for coupling check valveassembly 10C to a smaller diameter first fluid line 18. To accommodatethe use of stem 26A1, a constricting junction 134 extends betweenmounting flange 36A and stem 26A1.

Port fitting 14A is similar to port fitting 14 in that it includesmounting flange 36B for coupling with base 16. However, port fitting 14Aalso includes a stem 26B1 having an inner diameter and outer diametersmaller than stem 26B. Again, the use of stem 26B1 enables check valveassembly 10C to be fluid coupled to a smaller diameter second fluid line18. It is appreciated that stems 26A1 and 26B1 can be formed having anydesired diameter. Thus, check valve assemblies 10 can be formed havingat least 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 or more different sized stems for couplingwith different sized fluid lines. Furthermore, although check valveassemblies 10C and 10D are shown having the first port fitting and thesecond port fitting each having a stem with the same diameter, it isappreciated that check valve assemblies 10 can be formed where the stemsof the first port fitting and the second port fitting have differentconfigurations. For example, check valve assembly 10E is formed havingfirst port fitting 12 with the large diameter stem 26A and the secondport fitting 14B with the small diameter stem 26B1. Other combinationsand variations can also be used.

Various alterations and/or modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and additional applications of the principlesillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, can be made to the illustratedembodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the claims, and are to be considered within the scope ofthis disclosure. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have beendisclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. Whilea number of methods and components similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can be used to practice embodiments of the presentdisclosure, only certain components and methods are described herein.

It will also be appreciated that systems, processes, and/or productsaccording to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include,incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties features (e.g.,components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described inother embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Accordingly, thevarious features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combinedwith, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to aspecific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed aslimiting application or inclusion of said features to the specificembodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments canalso include said features without necessarily departing from the scopeof the present disclosure.

Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature incombination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any otherfeature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore,various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, processes, products,and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order toavoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are,however, also contemplated herein.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Whilecertain embodiments and details have been included herein and in theattached disclosure for purposes of illustrating embodiments of thepresent disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious changes in the methods, products, devices, and apparatusdisclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of thedisclosure or of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency ofthe claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of directing fluid through a check valveassembly, the method comprising: connecting a first fluid line to thecheck valve assembly, the check valve assembly comprising a first portfitting configured to connect to the first fluid line, a base comprisingat least one fluid channel in fluid communication with the first portfitting, an umbrella valve proximate to the base, and a retention plateproximate to the umbrella valve; flowing a fluid in a first directionthrough the first port fitting and the at least one channel to cause atleast a portion of the umbrella valve to bias away from the base andtowards the retention plate; and stopping the flow of the fluid to causeat least a portion of the umbrella valve to bias towards the base andaway from the retention plate.
 22. The method recited in claim 21,wherein flowing the fluid in a first direction through the first portfitting causes the portion of the umbrella valve to contact theretention plate.
 23. The method recited in claim 21, wherein the checkvalve assembly further comprises a second port fitting.
 24. The methodrecited in claim 23, further comprising connecting a second fluid lineto the second port fitting.
 25. The method recited in claim 21, whereinat least a portion of the umbrella valve is connected to the base. 26.The method recited in claim 21, wherein the base further comprises atleast two fluid channels.
 27. The method recited in claim 21, wherein atleast a portion of the retention plate is connected to the umbrellavalve.
 28. The method recited in claim 21, wherein the retention platecomprises at least one flow path formed through the retention plate. 29.The method recited in claim 28, wherein the retention plate furthercomprises at least two flow paths formed through the retention plate.30. The method recited in claim 28, wherein flowing the fluid in a firstdirection through the first port fitting causes the fluid to flowthrough the at least one flow path formed through the retention plateand the second port fitting.
 31. The method recited in claim 21, whereinthe retention plate is more rigid than the umbrella valve.
 32. Themethod recited in claim 21, wherein the umbrella valve comprisessilicone.
 33. The method recited in claim 21, wherein the umbrella valveis dome shaped.
 34. The method recited in claim 21, wherein at least aportion of the umbrella valve is tapered at the perimeter edge.
 35. Themethod recited in claim 21, wherein the first fluid line is coupled to agas or liquid source.
 36. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein thesecond fluid line is coupled to a bioreactor or a fermenter.
 37. Themethod as recited in claim 21, wherein the retention plate is in contactwith the second port fitting.
 38. The method recited in claim 21,further comprising irradiating the check valve assembly.
 39. The methodas recited in claim 28, wherein an alignment stem projects from theretention plate and is in contact the umbrella valve to facilitatealignment between the retention plate and umbrella valve.
 40. The methodas recited in claim 23, wherein the base further comprises an annularsleeve that encircles and is secured to the first port fitting and thesecond port fitting.
 41. The method recited in claim 21, whereinstopping the flow of the fluid further causes the umbrella valve to sealthe at least one fluid channel in the base and restrict flow of thefluid in a direction opposite to the first direction through the firstport fitting and the at least one channel.